Shipwreck Report: Schooner FRONTIER

Identification & Site Information

  • Wreck Name: Schooner FRONTIER
  • Type: Wooden Schooner
  • Date of Incident: December 1850
  • Location: Near Wilson, approximately 12 miles below Niagara, Lake Ontario
  • Condition: Vessel broke its back and filled with water
  • Outcome: Total Loss; crew rescued

Vessel Type Description

The FRONTIER was a wooden-hulled Schooner, typical of mid-19th-century Great Lakes vessels, designed for transporting bulk goods such as lumber, grain, or coal. With its robust construction and versatile sailing rig, it was well-suited for navigating the inland seas of the Great Lakes, though not immune to the region’s frequent and unpredictable storms.

History of the Incident

The FRONTIER was en route to its homeport when a severe gale drove the Schooner ashore near Wilson, New York, on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, about 12 miles below Niagara. The violent storm inflicted catastrophic damage to the vessel, causing it to break its back—a structural failure of the Keel and Hull—and begin filling with water.

Stranded and in peril, the crew managed to telegraph for assistance. The propeller TROY, operating in the vicinity, responded to the distress call. Despite the hazardous weather and treacherous conditions, the crew of the TROY performed a daring rescue, saving the sailors aboard the FRONTIER.

Final Disposition

The Schooner FRONTIER was declared a Total Loss. The structural damage and water ingress rendered the vessel irreparable. It was Abandoned near the site of its wrecking.

NOTMARs & Advisories

There are no current Notices to Mariners (NOTMARs) associated with the wreck site of the FRONTIER. The remains of the vessel, if any, are presumed to have deteriorated or been reclaimed by natural elements over time.

Located By & Date

No significant wreckage of the FRONTIER has been identified or documented in modern surveys. The rescue and abandonment of the vessel were reported in December 1850.

Current Condition & Accessibility

Given the severe damage sustained and the age of the wreck, any remnants of the FRONTIER are likely minimal or nonexistent. The site near Wilson is not noted for any recoverable artifacts or underwater exploration.

Conclusion

The story of the FRONTIER serves as a testament to the bravery and camaraderie of sailors navigating the Great Lakes in the 19th century. While the Schooner succumbed to the storm, the timely intervention of the propeller TROY ensured the survival of its crew, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.

Keywords

#SchoonerFrontier #LakeOntarioShipwreck #19thCenturyMaritimeHistory #GreatLakesStorms #PropellerTroy #MaritimeRescue #WilsonNewYorkWreck